Furnace repair and installation is no easy job if you want to do it yourself, especially now when the cold weather is just around the corner. This way you know you're getting the guarantee of a quality job and the safety you need, especially when it comes to gas furnaces. These are more dangerous because they are not fail-safe even if they have control shutoffs to prevent gas leaks. You run the risk to be forced to call the fire department or the gas company if you smell gas in your house. First rule if this happens is to get out and leave the door open.

That's way, an alternative to gas furnaces are the oil furnace. The initial furnace installation costs somewhere between $2000-$5000 for basic models but depending on your needs their price can go up to $10,000. Yes, it's a lot of money, but they also have advantages that make them cost this much. One of them would be their lifespan; people say they could use them for 15 to 20 years, even if the manufacturers usually guarantee a lifespan pf 10 years.

Another advantage is their efficiency when it comes to the percentage of fuel that is converted to heat and we're talking here about an annual average of 83%. As of 2009 oil rates are around $1.50, so this is not an expensive way to heat your home.This is especially true in major cities where the natural gas rates are continually being increased, but, depending on the area you are in, price for gas can be lower than the one for oil; so be sure you make the right choice and calculate your costs first. In some areas an environmentally friendly mixture of fuel and bio-fuel similar to what cars use is also available. they are also clean burning and the exhaust is contained within the furnace.

And now we've come to the disadvantages of using an oil furnace. One problem they might have are the leaks, so it's possible you need regular maintenance and furnace repair. Also, the contained exhaust requires maintenance to keep the furnace running efficiently. Before you go for furnace installation think about the inconveniences you might run into because the fuel must be delivered to your residence. In these type of cases electric furnaces or heat pumps might be a better solution for you.

Regardless of the type of furnace you are using, you should call a specialists if you need furnace repair and installation and keep in mind that there are some things you can do to keep your heating system in top condition and avoid calling the furnace repair company. However, some aspects of furnace upkeep can be complex and would be best to leave them to the professionals. One of the things you can do is to make sure the air filter is cleaned or changed on a regular basis. This may be required every quarter or as early as every month, depending upon location and requirements of the home. You better make sure you won't be freezing this winter and call someone who specializes in furnace repair and installation if you run into any kind of problems.